The reign of Ashleigh Barty: First Australian woman in 44 years to win the Aussie slam

Ashleigh Barty ended American Danielle Collins’ Cinderella run to cinch her third grand slam title, with a thrilling second set comeback, 6-3, 7-6(2).

The last time an Australian woman won their home country’s slam was 1978. That is, until today, when 25 year-old Ashleigh Barty did it and collected the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, defeating the surprise darling of the tournament, Danielle Collins, in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(2).

The last player to hold the cup was Chris O’Neil, who was in the stadium, looking on. The other legendary Aussie who handed Ash Barty the trophy was her mentor, seven-time singles slam champion Evan Goolagong—both players are of Aboriginal descent—whose last AO title was in 1974, among her impressive four straight titles there.

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Australian Open: Ashleigh Barty ran into trouble

Barty, who has ended three years in a row as the world No. 1, was the clear tournament favorite. Her tennis matches averaged an hour and the Queensland native hadn’t dropped a set all fortnight. Danielle Collins was her fourth American opponent in a row, with the top seed having sent Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys home prior to the final opposite Collins.

Everything in the first set against the American seemed to be going by the book, with Barty fighting back an early break point to secure the win at 6-3.

Once the second set kicked into gear, Danielle Collins found the powerhouse game that had thrilled fans throughout the tournament, firing off her lightning backhand and aggressive strokes to barrel through to a 5-1 lead. It looked like the final was going to go the distance into a third setter.

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However, Barty displayed nerves of steel, firing off four winning games in a row, to level up at 5-5. Collins, who had awed with her confidence and power all fortnight, seemed to wilt in the onslaught of Barty’s unflappability. All the momentum was on the Australian’s side—with a home turf crowd willing her on—as the two opponents brought the fight to a tie break. Smelling victory Barty hit a spectacular winner into the corner to seal the win.

Ash Barty: A proud Australian

"“As an Aussie, the most important part of this tournament is being able to share it with so many people and the crowd, you have been nothing short of exceptional,” said Barty during the trophy ceremony, according to ESPN.“This crowd is one of the most fun I’ve ever played in front of and you guys brought me so much joy today and helped me play my best tennis, so thanks for all your love and support over the last couple of weeks. This is a dream come true for me and I am so proud to be an Aussie.”"

The Australian Open is Ashleigh Barty’s third slam trophy, complimenting her maiden slam at the French Open in 2019 and last year’s Wimbledon. As befits her all-around varied game, the reigning AO champ is one of only five active players on tour to have accomplished the feat on three separate surfaces. The other names include the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and of course Serena Williams. Only active women’s players Serena and Barty have achieved three majors and season-ending WTA finals. Like Naomi Osaka, Barty is undefeated in major finals.

"“She’s going to take the women’s game to the next level,” said former world No. 1 and commentator Mats Wilander, via Eurosport.“Just like Roger Federer did. You would have to come out and beat Roger Federer off the court because he’s going to try and make you feel absolutely miserable. Ash Barty, this is it.”"

Danielle Collins walks away from the Australian Open with a huge jump in her ranking, cracking the Top 10 to become the highest ranked American in singles—male or female—as of Monday. Collins has been on a hot streak since surgery last year and is sure to make another grand slam final again.

A singular story in women’s tennis, Danielle Collins is a fascinating figure who has always done things her way. The only collegiate player to achieve the level of success that she has, the American has faced setbacks with a fiery will that has defied the odds in many ways. If the world No. 30 player buckled under the pressure in the second set of her first grand slam final, she is guaranteed to bounce back and is certainly not going away anytime soon.

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The Australian Open men’s final between Rafael Nadal—going for a historic 21st major—and reigning U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev, takes place Sunday 3:30 a.m. ET. Expect that match to go the distance.

How much money did Ash Barty win today?

By winning the Australian Open, Barty took home the $2.875 million purse.